Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has said he will do his best to convince winger Stewart Downing to stay at the club.

The England international put in a request for a transfer earlier this week as Tottenham looked set to swoop for his services but 'Boro turned down the Spurs offer along with the players request.

"As far as Stewart is concerned we understand the background that has led to this transfer request and we believe that his head has been turned," said Gibson.

"We will work hard over the next few weeks to try to convince him to stay.

"I believe that Stewart Downing and in fact all of our players should stay and fight to turn this club around."